An Electro-Motive Division SD7 is one of the latest additions to the ScaleTrains Rivet Counter line. The HO scale model, based on a prototype from the early 1950s, features injection-molded plastic and die-cast metal construction; factory-applied, prototype-specific details; and metal semi-scale Type E couplers painted a rusty color. Prototype history Electro-Motive Division produced the SD7 […]
Q: I’m contemplating adding another, different paint scheme to some of the diesels on my freelanced railroad. I know a lot of roads had different schemes for passenger and freight locomotives, but what about major color changes? And I’m not counting mergers, either. I can think of Western Maryland, but then I draw a blank. […]
For many years Hobbyshop Window was a popular department in the pages of Model Railroader magazine. We’re excited to bring it back as a frequent feature on Trains.com. Here’s a recap of some of the items that arrived at our offices for the week ending March 13th 2026. Keep up to date on the latest […]
ROCKHILL FURNACE, Pa. — The East Broad Top Railroad has announced a Descendants Reunion Weekend for June 13-14, 2026. The families of former railroad workers, coal company employees, and others connected with the narrow-gauge railroad are invited to return and celebrate their shared heritage. Rockhill Furnace and Robertsdale, Pa. — communities with deep connections to […]
An Electro-Motive Division GP38-2 has been added to the Master Line from Atlas Model Railroad Co. The N scale model, based on a Phase II prototype, uses former Walthers (and before that Life-Like) tooling that Atlas acquired back in 2018. Prototype history Electro-Motive Division produced the GP38-2 from January 1972 until July 1986. More than […]
Model railroaders are model builders, and sometimes we build models for layouts that aren’t there anymore, and the old models lose their spot. We like our models, but we don’t have a use for them in any of our new projects, so they go into boxes and get stored under our layouts, slowly disintegrating. I […]
News & Products for the week of March 9th 2026 Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of March 9th […]
LOUISA, Va. — The Washington, D.C., Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society has announced a rare-milage excursion over 50 miles of the Buckingham Branch Railway — former Chesapeake & Ohio territory — on Sunday, April 26, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Doswell Special will begin in Louisa and travel the railroad between […]
PACIFICA, Cal. — Following more than 20 years of work, the restoration of Ocean Shore Railroad No. 1409 is finally coming together. At a recent fundraising event, the Pacifica Historical Society, which is responsible for restoring the historic 120-year-old coach, told local residents and stakeholders that work has “come a long way.” No. 1409 is […]
For many years Hobbyshop Window was a popular department in the pages of Model Railroader magazine. We’re excited to bring it back as a frequent feature on Trains.com. Here’s a recap of some of the items that arrived at our offices for the week ending March 6th 2026. Keep up to date on the latest […]
Looking to add a model of one of the newest freight cars on the rails to your HO layout? Then you’ll want to check out the Greenbrier 5-trough transverse coil gondola from Rapido Trains. The model, based on a prototype introduced in 2021, features plastic and die-cast metal construction, 36″ metal wheelsets, and metal semi-scale […]
In this product review video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno examines the Athearn HO scale Electro-Motive Division SD40-2. Cody begins with the prototype history, noting that EMD produced more than 3,900 units between January 1972 and February 1986. These six-axle units were rated at 3,000 horsepower and featured a 16-cylinder 645E3C diesel engine. The […]
